The biggest book fair on earth: five days in which the international rights trade takes over Frankfurt — and, at the weekend, the public walks the same halls.
The 2027 edition has no official dates yet. It is usually held in mid October; this page will be updated as soon as they are announced.
Last edition: 7–11 Oct 2026
Updated: October 2026
Frankfurt is first of all a trade fair. Licences change hands here, translation rights are sold, and the books that will reach shops across half the world in two years' time are agreed in these aisles. The opening days belong to publishers, agents and press.
At the weekend it opens to everyone, and the tone shifts noticeably: signings, stage programmes, cosplay in the manga and comics hall, and halls full of people who simply came to look at books. The guest of honour country gets its own pavilion and shapes the programme — in 2027 it is Czechia.
One thing worth knowing on a first visit: the site is enormous and organised into halls by language area and category. Without a plan you walk a lot and see little.
Log what you buy, your progress and the quotes you underline. Free, no account needed to start.
Start for freeThe first days are reserved for trade visitors. If you are coming as a reader, plan for Saturday or Sunday.
There are queues at the door and none online. Prices are on the official website.
The site is too big to wander without a target. Mark two or three destinations on the hall plan beforehand; the rest happens on the way.
The 2027 dates have not been announced yet. It is usually held in mid October. The last edition ran 7–11 Oct 2026.
At Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main.
No, it is ticketed: check prices and sales on the official website.
At the weekend, yes. The opening days are reserved for trade visitors from the book industry; exact days and prices are on the official website.
On the public weekend many exhibitors sell their titles, often the display copies on the final day. But the fair is not a bookshop: the focus is rights and programme.